Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 Preview

It's taken a couple of generations of camera for manufacturers to really work out who wants to buy mirrorless cameras and, as a result, what features they should offer. Panasonic's GF series has slalomed around the demographics before arriving at a similar conclusion to that reached by several of its rivals - a small camera that can work as a point-and-shoot, but with some expectation that the user might want to take more control over it.

By this we mean that the GF6 is a small camera with a compact kit zoom, flip-out screen and a dedicated mode dial - a very similar set of features to those offered by the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony's NEX-3N. This puts the GF6 somewhere between the enthusiast-friendly GF1 and the more point-and-shoot orientated GF5. But, while it gains features that will appeal both to the point-and-shoot and the take-control crowd, the GF6's trump card is Wi-Fi. Or, more specifically, the best implementation of Wi-Fi to hit the market so far.

In common with a couple of recent Panasonic compacts, the GF6 gains Near-Field Communication (NFC), through which the camera can establish a conventional Wi-Fi connection simply by tapping devices together. NFC is a very short-range means of exchanging data that allows the camera to share details of its Wi-Fi connection with compatible smartphones or tablets. The list of compatible devices includes many recent Android devices, though Apple has yet to embrace the technology.

In addition to an extra control point provided by a top-plate zoom lever encircling the shutter button, the GF6 gains an additional customizable Fn button on its rear, plus another two on a 'pull-out' tab on its touch screen. These direct controls come in addition to the camera's user-definable Q.Menu. Equally, though, the camera retains its point-and-shoot-friendly iA button that provides one-button access to the camera's fully-automated mode.

The GF6 is the second mirrorless camera we've seen to gain a compact-camera-style zoom lever around the shutter button but, whereas the Sony NEX-3N is often bundled with a power zoom lens, the same isn't true for the GF6. However, when you attach a conventional zoom lens, it instead controls exposure compensation. This makes a lot of sense to us, since arguably the most useful additional property a point-and-shoot user might want to gain control over, simply, is image brightness.

Many of the camera's basic specs have also been upgraded over its predecessor - the rear screen is a higher-resolution panel, but it's what's in front of it that users are likely to notice. The touch capability is now capacitive, rather than the GF5's pressure-sensitive design, and the front glass has been attached without an air gap, reducing internal reflection and improving visibility. This more precise touch screen allows the implementation of touch-based photo editing (including a Clear Retouch mode that attempts to remove distracting object s from your images, which sadly we haven't been able to test yet). The screen also tilts, both downwards for overhead shooting and upwards to face forwards for self-portrait shots.

NFC-simplified Wi-Fi connection

Connecting the GF6 to a an NFC-equipped smartphone is as simple as starting the Panasonic Image App, pressing the Wi-Fi button on the camera and tapping the two devices together. NFC works over such short distances it may take a couple of attempts to locate the antenna on your smart device, but once located, it's all pretty simple.

If your device doesn't have NFC, the process involves manually selecting the right Wi-Fi connection in your phone's settings, then typing in a fairly long password (as is the case with most Wi-Fi cameras). Once you've paired your devices, the camera will remember the connection to speed up the process in future.

The Panasonic Image App on iOS gives a live view image and allows you to set the focus point, take the exposure or control the zoom if you're using a power zoom lens.

The equivalent app for Android also gives the option to control manual focus. Panasonic says the apps will also give the ability to control exposure parameters (as is the case with the Lumix Link app for the GH3).

Both apps also allow you to view the contents of the camera's memory card and transfer images (at various sizes) across to the 'phone.

The Panasonic Image App gives a pretty good level of control over the camera - allowing the user to position the camera's focus point, control a power zoom lens and the ability to control exposure (though this didn't appear to be available when we tried the currently-available version of the app). Once a shot is taken, it can be uploaded across to your smartphone - either at full or reduced resolution.

In addition to smartphone connections, the GF6 allows you to create an account on Panasonic's Lumix Club cloud service. With this established, you can send images up to Lumix Club by connecting to a local Wi-Fi router, with the option that they are then posted on to various popular social networks, via Lumix Club. Alternatively, if you're connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, you can get the camera to push all your images across to your computer as you shoot.

The GF6 can also be used with the tiny 'pancake' Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS powerzoom, which can be controlled by its top-plate zoom lever for very compact camera-like operation. As can be seen in the comparison above, both are considerably smaller than Panasonic's previous 14-42mm kit zoom, which is pretty typical in size for its type.

Thankyou for the review, good read, shame it seems to have no option for an add on viewfinder, guess you can't have everything though.[considering size and price etc]Bet it shoots a nice image none the less, it's just that bright daylight that kills viewing the rear screen i find.

I have some concerns about the tilt mechanism also. The exposed ribbon cable is an issue too. It's larger and heavier which I don't like either. The good news is that the GF5 is available at a huge discount and represents a terrific value.

This camera gives M4/3 fans another option where the Olympus E-PL5 may turn off some buyers with the lack of built-in flash and smaller effective screen size. However, my experience with the E-PM1 and the clip on flash is a very minor compromise and I just carry the flash around in my pocket if I may need it.

A big step forward from the GF5 especially with the 16Mp sensor.

P.S. When will Olympus step up and produce a pancake power zoom - may be even smaller than the Panasonic as it does not need OIS on Oly cameras.

A decently written introduction, as usual you can't judge a camera on specs, you have to wait for a hands on full review with test shots. I don't see the need for the words "presumably faux-retro". Didn't you take any writing courses in university? "Presumably" is unnecessary and pretentious, and please define "faux-retro". Is that retro styling that really isn't? I agree that the silver top plate is a retro touch. That's all it is.

First you compliment the article, then pick it apart for utilizing the phrase "presumably faux-retro" which makes perfect sense used in the context of the camera market. Presumably is accurate since Panasonic haven't (to my knowledge) defined why they have altered their design language to include a silver top panel. As the rest of the camera is not retro, this can be "presumed" to follow the recent popularity of true retro designs from Olympus and Fujifilm. So fake or false or faux-retro is accurate and relevant.

The statement "I don't see the need..." could do with more work. Using the first person can create the impression of arrogance or superiority, which can be off-putting and distracting; was that your intention? Try "However the need for the phrase "presumably faux-retro" is debatable" or similar, you might get a more positive reaction from your audience.

Lastly the inclusion of the word "pretentious", and the university reference, is a rather rude and thinly-veiled slur on the author, and only results in the destruction of the credibility you tried so hard to attain.

You don't se the pont? here is a simple one: the clip-on comes with the camera & try puting a G camera even with the 20mm 1.7 in your jacket pocket, difficult is it not? That is why the GF line is there for, for those who want to be able to slip it in they're pocket. For example if your worried about some shady charachters, slip it quckly in your pocket or if your in the bad part of town & are trying to get to the "good" part, it stays hidden if robbers are nearby

besides personal tastes, I think it's a good thing that Pana and Sony choose modern industral design over retro ones like Fuji or Oly. they feel confident that they have good cameras (to me, retro design means diffident minor player).

"It's taken a couple of generations of camera for manufacturers to really work out who wants to buy mirrorless cameras and, as a result, what features they should offer. "

Actually Panasonic got it pretty right first time around with the GF1 & has since taken about 5 steps backwards with the GF & GX series. The key to that cameras success was the combination of body & lens - the 20mm f1.7 was critical to the success of the camera - without it any of the GF cameras are really just so-so bodies with mediocre lenses.

They lack the Olympus rivals in-camera IS, so if you have to buy an extra lens for decent performance, the Olympus bodies are a better choice. For enthusiasts, there really hasn't been a decent compact Panasonic camera worth buying since the GF1. Attempt #6 doesn't really change anything.

If Panasonic really want to have some success in the GF series, its time to upgrade the 20mm 1.7 & include it as a kit lens again.

bah full frame sensor is the minimum requirement now, heck put a medium format in there (is just making a terrible joke) But yea I am very happy where micro four thirds is going, now we just need Prime lenses that are 200mm and more instead of terribly unsharp telephotos.

G5 does have the GH2 sensor, but it doesn't take advantage of its larger size to provide "true" multi-aspect ratios. The total number of photo sites on the G5 sensor is 18.3 MP, same as the GH2, which is a good indication that it's the same oversized sensor.

I would like to see this in a pocket with the zoom - so small, but pretty expensive for the specs - they can't charge too much for 4/3rds cameras, but it seems they still want to keep them well above compacts....Seems like a pretty complete package overall for a hopefully pocket-able package.

I have Panasonic cameras in use. Sometimes, I am an early adopter. I would like true innovations from Panasonic not case transformations. Some Sony/Olympus tilt screen here and there. I would like a better sensor – more dynamic range and color sensitivity.

This camera is a horrible “me too” product low point. But I will stick with Pana because of their smooth design and ergonomic handling. And I still continue to put the hope into Panasonic which I lost with Olympus.

Otherwise – with little more bulk, but great pictures – the wonderful Nikon D5200 will do the job for me now.

Come on, Panasonic, get out, and make a better jump with your cameras to convince the markets.

Well, they have that new sensor technology to replace color filters, which should increase light sensitivity (sounds like they claim a whole stop). Hopefully that will start hitting m43 sensors by the next Gen.

The body is going to be $200 in a year like all other GFs. This is pretty awesome for $200, don't you think?

On a side note: the flash sucks if pointed at your subject, but you can jam it in or hold it with your finger to point upwards for a nice bounce. Jamming trick worked for me on an old Oly PL1 and Panasonic GF2, it will probably work on others of the same line. I wish bounced flash was a FEATURE cause it makes a world of difference.

Why would Sony smile? Panasonic have produced a much better camera system for only a slightly premium on the price. M4/3 has a much better value and capability with lots of 3rd party support. With this type of camera as well as G, GH and OM-D "SLR style" Sony will be further seen as a niche product

The GF6 has WiFi, nicer menus, more and better controls, including a more useful touch screen. The NEX-3N & lens are smaller, lighter, cheaper, have more useful photography modes and features, have a better zoom range, a powered zoom, a bigger, better sensor, and costs a hundred dollars less. If this were the same price as the Sony the fight would be interesting. Buyers at this price point don't often buy a whole bunch of lenses, so that advantage of MFT doesn't matter much. In any case, a big upgrade for the previously pathetic GF line. Back to its glory days, even? Makes me wonder if there is any need for a GX1 replacement, unless they move it way upscale, with a built-in evf to compete better with the NEX-6. I hope so as I like MFT and we need a stronger lineup from Panasonic or it is doomed.

what is strange is that in the presentation report, you wrote, "The DMC-GF6 integrates new 16.00-megapixel Live MOS sensor", and here you claim it to be the old GX1 type. If it really has the GX1 sensor, there is no reason to make noise for this camera. If, on the other side it has the OMD sensor, it could be of interest, and, if it has that very new Pana sensor with special filtering system, then it get of very high interest. Old shoes with new tyres are out of fashion.

Several sources have said that it's the GX1 sensor with an updated processing Engine. an updated engine can help some, but the GF series is supposed to be mostly entry level. While I'd have preferred for them to put in a new sensor, they probably tried to save money by using their own sensor. The GH3/OMD/EPL5/EPM2 have Sony sensors, which would probably cost more.

They instead seem to be trying to attract with:Over Pen: Built in flashOver GF: Articulated screen that can front faceOver both: Wifi and NFC connection to tablet/phone, video is probably better, has stereo input built on

It is not OM-D/E-PL5/E-PM2/GH3 sensor. Those have 17.2 megapixels on-sensor and crop to 4608 x 3456 effective in 4:3 max res. GF6, like GX1, has about 16.7 megapixels and crops to 4592 x 3448 effective.Other characteristics are also sufficiently different, no way it is another Pana.

It's a collapsible pancake zoom, the whole point of it is to be small. It extends when powered up. This also creates a slight downside:It takes longer to get the camera ready, and according to Dx0, it seems inferior optically to the new 14-42mm.

Sigh. Or maybe yawn. Or both really. For my money, Panasonic would have been better off to put a better sensor in the GF-1, which still is one of my favorite cameras in spite of the (today) lower sensor quality and poor Hi-ISO response. It's that camera that's always with me. Of course, Pan needs to sell a lot of cameras to the smart-phone crowd, but couldn't they pay just a bit of attention to the significant number of photographers that bought something really useful -- the GF-1.

I actually think that GPS is a much more important feature to "a camera mostly for travel" market than WiFi and of course NFC. When I travel, why would I need to keep my iPad and camera with me and turned on all the time to immediately transfer pictures I take? When I return, USB3 card reader is much faster than WiFi and does not require keeping the camera on, while quickly discharging its battery. But a precise location of where each picture is interesting, especially if the camera can have some location database and add some comment into EXIF automatically so not to make me even use any software later.

I also think GPS data would be much more useful for travelling. I wouldn't count too much on in-camera databases (since they would necessarily need to be limited in size and might get obsolete quickly anyway), but just the GPS coordinates can be massively useful... linking them to external maps and location names should technically be easy, and you could know the location of the photos within a few metres... that's an information that could be impossible to have (or at least very tedious) if you have lots of photos and need to find each of the various places you might have been travelling around... Without GPS data, with photos taken by yourself several years before, you might just barely know the city where they were taken, and possibly have no clue about what place it was exactly...

YAWN. At the going price for the GF3/GF5, buying this camera makes absolutely no sense....great camera but not enough of a "step up" to warrant the very significant differece in price. Panasonic is amazing in the way they are late on delivery of new products and then quickly canabalize sales by having minor upgrades for the new models and significant discounting (dirt cheap) for the 6-9 month old model!

Well, this has a much better sensor than my GF5. Where I think Panasonic has messed up is that you can now get the GX1 substantially cheaper, with real camera features instead of gimmicks. And I don't think this is competitive against the E-PM2.

Why would their use Sony's sensor in their lowest priced m43 when they need to keep their sensor department going? And they have a chance to discount it to half a price in a few months while keeping profit positive.

I think Olympus use the same sensor for economic reasons. Buying a large volume of one sensor, rather than smaller volumes of different sensors, probably saves them some money.And there are other ways to differentiate camera models besides the sensor. Canon put the same sensor in the 7D and 60D, as in the Rebels, but I don't think that has hurt the sales of the high-end models. Gearheads may choose a camera based on the sensor, but I think most people make their choice based on the feature set.

...And I read both of these comments and thought, "Since this is a GF camera - which is very obviously Panasonic's entry-level upgrade enticement camera - at what point did you think you were possibly getting a new sensor?"

Why would Panasonic upend their current lineup by introducing a superior sensor in a camera that is at the bottom of their product stack? If anything, you should be glad this has the GX1 sensor, which means the replacements for the G5 and GX1 should have better sensors than they do right now.

people are amazing...the entry level model got a 4 mp boost, a 1 stop more if ISO, NFC, wifi, 4 fn buttons, the sharpest kit lens out there (compare it to canon and nikon in dxo mark), a flip screen, wireless flash control and people STILL complain

It takes better pictures and videos. It has more controls. It has wifi. It has an improved new kit lens. It has better battery life. It has better Auto modes. It allows higher ISOs with less noise. It looks better.

I could keep going but you get the point. It simply is a newer better camera.

It is not really an improvement over 14-45, this 14-42 II darkens up very quickly (f/5.3@25mm, sheesh!), even quicker than Oly 12-50 which by itself was a champion (f/5.1@25, the worst "feature" of this lens). For comparison, the tiny Pana 14-42 PZ is f/4.9@25mm, Oly 14-42 II (same size as Pana 14-42 II) is f/4.4@25mm.

More about gear in this article

Just Posted: Our hands-on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 preview. The GF6 expands the capabilities of Panasonic's GF series away from the point-and-shoot focus that it had increasingly pursued. The latest model adds a more sophisticated touch-screen and additional control points that will benefit a range of users but it's the NFC-mediated Wi-Fi system that we found really interesting. Add this on top of the 16MP sensor from the GX1 and you have a compelling combination of features. Click through to find out more.

Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-GF6 - a 16MP entry-level mirrorless camera with Wi-Fi. Like many of its competitors it has a capacitive touchscreen, that can tilt both downwards and upwards to face forwards for self-portraits. It gains a compact-camera style zoom lever around the shutter release that can alternatively be used to set exposure compensation, and an exposure mode dial on the top plate. It's also the first interchangeable lens camera with Near Field Communication (NFC) that allows setup of Wi-Fi connections with compatible smartphones and tablets, simply by tapping the devices together. Movie recording is available at 1080p30 in either MP4 or AVCHD format.

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